Case: Hughes v. Smith County

6:23-cv-00344 | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Filed Date: July 11, 2023

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary while we research the case further). On July 11, 2023, three formerly incarcerated individuals filed a putative class action against Smith County, alleging that the county kept inmates in jail days and even weeks past their release date. On February 5, 2026, the court approved a $1.5 million class action settlement.   

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67600239/parties/hughes-v-smith-county/


Judge(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff

Animashaun, Akeeb Dami (Texas)

Fennell, Nathan Alexander (Texas)

Gould, Margaret (Texas)

Hsu, Camilla (Texas)

Attorney for Defendant

Evans, James Arthur (Texas)

Expert/Monitor/Master/Other

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

6:23-cv-00344

Complaint

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/67600239/hughes-v-smith-county/

Last updated Feb. 7, 2026, 4:04 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against Smith County ( Filing fee $ 402 receipt number ATXEDC-9593282.), filed by Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively, Angela Alonzo. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2)(Fennell, Nathan) (Additional attachment(s) added on 7/12/2023: # 3 Civil Cover Sheet) (wea, 6). (Entered: 07/11/2023)

1 Exhibit Exhibit 1

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2 Exhibit Exhibit 2

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3 Civil Cover Sheet

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July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

Clearinghouse

Jury Demand

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

DEMAND for Trial by Jury by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. (wea, 6)

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

Add and Terminate Judges

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle added. (wea, 6)

July 11, 2023

July 11, 2023

Notice of Magistrate Availability

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

Add and Terminate Judges

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

Jury Demand

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

In accordance with the provisions of 28 USC Section 636(c), you are hereby notified that a U.S. Magistrate Judge of this district court is available to conduct any or all proceedings in this case including a jury or non-jury trial and to order the entry of a final judgment. The form Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge is available on our website. All signed consent forms, excluding pro se parties, should be filed electronically using the event Notice Regarding Consent to Proceed Before Magistrate Judge. (wea, 6)

July 12, 2023

July 12, 2023

2

SUMMONS Issued as to Smith County, Texas. (jbe, 6) (Entered: 07/13/2023)

July 13, 2023

July 13, 2023

RECAP
3

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Camilla Hsu on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Hsu, Camilla) (Entered: 07/24/2023)

July 24, 2023

July 24, 2023

RECAP
4

SUMMONS Returned Executed by Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively, Angela Alonzo. Smith County, Texas served on 8/2/2023, answer due 8/23/2023. (Fennell, Nathan) (Entered: 08/03/2023)

Aug. 3, 2023

Aug. 3, 2023

RECAP
5

DEFENDANT'S ANSWER to 1 Complaint, AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES, AND JURY DEMAND by Smith County, Texas.(Iglesias, David) (Entered: 08/22/2023)

Aug. 22, 2023

Aug. 22, 2023

RECAP
6

ORDER GOVERNING PROCEEDINGS. Telephonic Pretrial Conference set for 10/24/2023 at 10:00 AM before District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 9/11/2023. (gsm) (Entered: 09/11/2023)

Sept. 11, 2023

Sept. 11, 2023

RECAP
7

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Akeeb Dami Animashaun on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Animashaun, Akeeb) (Entered: 09/20/2023)

Sept. 20, 2023

Sept. 20, 2023

RECAP
8

***DEFICIENT DOCUMENT. PLEASE DISREGARD.***REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Proposed Protective Order, # 2 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Protective Order, # 3 Exhibit Blacklined Proposed Protective Order)(Animashaun, Akeeb). (Entered: 10/06/2023)

1 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Proposed Protective Order

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2 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Protective Order

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3 Exhibit Blacklined Proposed Protective Order

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Oct. 6, 2023

Oct. 6, 2023

RECAP

Notice of Deficiency

Oct. 10, 2023

Oct. 10, 2023

NOTICE of Deficiency regarding 8 Joint Report submitted by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. Missing joint party signature. (wea, 6)

Oct. 10, 2023

Oct. 10, 2023

9

REPORT of Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Proposed Scheduling Order, # 2 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Scheduling Order, # 3 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Proposed Protective Order, # 4 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Protective Order, # 5 Exhibit Blacklined Proposed Protective Order)(Animashaun, Akeeb) (Entered: 10/11/2023)

1 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Proposed Scheduling Order

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2 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Scheduling Order

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3 Exhibit Plaintiffs' Proposed Protective Order

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4 Exhibit Defendant's Proposed Protective Order

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5 Exhibit Blacklined Proposed Protective Order

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Oct. 11, 2023

Oct. 11, 2023

RECAP
10

ORDER DENYING BIFURCATED DISCOVERY. The Court hereby CANCELS the Rule 16 Pretrial Conference set for October 24, 2023. In light of this order, the parties are ORDERED to meet and confer and file a revised proposed schedule by October 27, 2023. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 10/20/2023. (wea, 6) (Entered: 10/20/2023)

Oct. 20, 2023

Oct. 20, 2023

RECAP
11

Submission of Proposed Agreed Docket Control/Scheduling order by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively on behalf of all parties. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Joint Proposed Scheduling Order)(Animashaun, Akeeb) (Entered: 10/25/2023)

1 Exhibit Joint Proposed Scheduling Order

View on RECAP

Oct. 25, 2023

Oct. 25, 2023

RECAP
12

INITIAL SCHEDULING ORDER. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 10/30/2023. (wea, 6) (Entered: 10/30/2023)

Oct. 30, 2023

Oct. 30, 2023

RECAP
13

CONSENT to Mediation by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Animashaun, Akeeb) (Entered: 11/14/2023)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Nov. 14, 2023

Nov. 14, 2023

RECAP
14

ORDER APPOINTING MEDIATOR. United States Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell is hereby appointed as mediator in this case. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 11/15/2023. (wea, 6) (Entered: 11/16/2023)

Nov. 15, 2023

Nov. 15, 2023

RECAP
15

MEDIATION CONFERENCE ORDER. Mediation has been set for 2/7/2024 at 09:30 AM in Room 301 of the Tyler Courthouse before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. Signed by Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell on 11/27/2023. (wea, 6) (Entered: 11/27/2023)

Nov. 27, 2023

Nov. 27, 2023

RECAP
16

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Initial Disclosures (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 12/07/2023)

Dec. 7, 2023

Dec. 7, 2023

RECAP
17

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas First Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 01/04/2024)

Jan. 4, 2024

Jan. 4, 2024

RECAP
18

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by James Arthur Evans, III on behalf of Smith County, Texas (Evans, James) (Entered: 01/04/2024)

Jan. 4, 2024

Jan. 4, 2024

RECAP

Notice of Hearing

Jan. 29, 2024

Jan. 29, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing (RESET):Mediation Conference reset for 4/1/2024 at 9:00 AM before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. (leh, )

Jan. 29, 2024

Jan. 29, 2024

Notice of Hearing

Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing RESET):Mediation Conference reset for 5/29/2024 at 9:00 AM before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. (leh, )

Jan. 31, 2024

Jan. 31, 2024

19

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Margaret Gould on behalf of Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ATXEDC-9992598. (Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 02/22/2024)

Feb. 22, 2024

Feb. 22, 2024

20

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance - Pro Hac Vice by Stephen H. Weil on behalf of Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. Filing fee $ 100, receipt number ATXEDC-9993338. (Weil, Stephen) (Entered: 02/23/2024)

Feb. 23, 2024

Feb. 23, 2024

21

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Second Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 03/14/2024)

March 14, 2024

March 14, 2024

22

UNOPPOSED MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney of Record by Smith County, Texas. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Iglesias, David) (Entered: 04/23/2024)

April 23, 2024

April 23, 2024

23

FIRST NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively (Weil, Stephen) (Entered: 05/14/2024)

May 14, 2024

May 14, 2024

RECAP

Notice of Hearing

May 28, 2024

May 28, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing:Mediation Conference reset for 9/5/2024 at 9:00 AM before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. (leh)

May 28, 2024

May 28, 2024

24

JOINT MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery by Smith County, Texas. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order)(Iglesias, David) (Entered: 06/20/2024)

1 Proposed Order Proposed Order

View on RECAP

June 20, 2024

June 20, 2024

RECAP
25

ORDER granting 22 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney James Arthur Evans, III terminated. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 6/25/2024. (wea) (Entered: 06/25/2024)

June 25, 2024

June 25, 2024

RECAP
26

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Third Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 07/29/2024)

July 29, 2024

July 29, 2024

27

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Fourth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 07/31/2024)

July 31, 2024

July 31, 2024

28

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively (Weil, Stephen) (Entered: 08/01/2024)

Aug. 1, 2024

Aug. 1, 2024

RECAP
29

AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER: Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 8/2/24. (jbe) (Entered: 08/02/2024)

Aug. 2, 2024

Aug. 2, 2024

RECAP

Notice of Hearing

Aug. 22, 2024

Aug. 22, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing (RESET):Mediation Conference reset for 10/1/2024 at 9:00 AM before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. (leh)

Aug. 22, 2024

Aug. 22, 2024

30

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Fifth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 08/26/2024)

Aug. 26, 2024

Aug. 26, 2024

31

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas SIXTH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 09/06/2024)

Sept. 6, 2024

Sept. 6, 2024

32

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas SEVENTH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 09/09/2024)

Sept. 9, 2024

Sept. 9, 2024

RECAP
33

JOINT MOTION to Amend/Correct 29 Scheduling Order/Docket Control Order by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 09/11/2024)

1 Proposed Order

View on RECAP

Sept. 11, 2024

Sept. 11, 2024

RECAP
34

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Eighth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 09/11/2024)

Sept. 11, 2024

Sept. 11, 2024

35

SECOND AMENDED SCHEDULING ORDER. Dispositive Motions due by 6/20/2024. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 9/12/2024. (wea) (Entered: 09/13/2024)

Sept. 12, 2024

Sept. 12, 2024

RECAP
36

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas NINTH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 09/13/2024)

Sept. 13, 2024

Sept. 13, 2024

37

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Tenth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 09/17/2024)

Sept. 17, 2024

Sept. 17, 2024

38

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Eleventh Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 09/23/2024)

Sept. 23, 2024

Sept. 23, 2024

39

REPORT of Mediation by K. Nicole Mitchell. Mediation result: Impasse. Parties will be set for another conference via video conference the week of November 11, 2024.(wea) (Entered: 10/01/2024)

Oct. 1, 2024

Oct. 1, 2024

40

NOTICE of Attorney Appearance by Jon Loevy on behalf of Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively (Loevy, Jon) (Entered: 10/03/2024)

Oct. 3, 2024

Oct. 3, 2024

41

MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney as to Stephen H. Weil by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 10/03/2024)

Oct. 3, 2024

Oct. 3, 2024

42

Additional Attachments to Main Document: 41 MOTION to Withdraw as Attorney as to Stephen H. Weil. Certificate of Conference. (Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 10/04/2024)

Oct. 4, 2024

Oct. 4, 2024

RECAP
43

JOINT MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery (Expert Discovery) by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order.)(Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 10/18/2024)

Oct. 18, 2024

Oct. 18, 2024

44

ORDER granting 41 Motion to Withdraw as Attorney. Attorney Stephen H. Weil terminated. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 10/22/2024. (wea) (Entered: 10/22/2024)

Oct. 22, 2024

Oct. 22, 2024

45

THIRD AMENDED INITIAL SCHEDULING ORDER. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 10/22/2024. (wea) (Entered: 10/22/2024)

Oct. 22, 2024

Oct. 22, 2024

RECAP
46

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Twelfth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 10/25/2024)

Oct. 25, 2024

Oct. 25, 2024

RECAP

Notice of Hearing

Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing: Mediation Conference set for 12/16/2024 at 10:00 AM (CST) before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. Conference to be held via Zoom. The Court will notify the parties of the conference link prior to the hearing. (leh)

Oct. 30, 2024

Oct. 30, 2024

47

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Ladarion Hughes (Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 11/01/2024)

Nov. 1, 2024

Nov. 1, 2024

48

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Thirteenth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 11/04/2024)

Nov. 4, 2024

Nov. 4, 2024

49

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas FOURTEENTH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 12/09/2024)

Dec. 9, 2024

Dec. 9, 2024

Notice of Hearing

Dec. 10, 2024

Dec. 10, 2024

NOTICE of Hearing (RESET. This is a Time Change Only):Mediation Conference (via Zoom) reset for 12/16/2024 at 1:30 PM (CST) before Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. (leh)

Dec. 10, 2024

Dec. 10, 2024

50

JOINT MOTION for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery by Ladarion Hughes, Angela Alonzo, Demarcus Lively. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 12/19/2024)

Dec. 19, 2024

Dec. 19, 2024

51

FOURTH AMENDED INITIAL SCHEDULING ORDER. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 12/20/2024. (wea) (Entered: 12/20/2024)

Dec. 20, 2024

Dec. 20, 2024

52

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Fifteenth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 01/10/2025)

Jan. 10, 2025

Jan. 10, 2025

53

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Sixteenth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 01/13/2025)

Jan. 13, 2025

Jan. 13, 2025

54

NOTICE of Discovery Disclosure by Smith County, Texas Seventeenth Supplemental (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 01/17/2025)

Jan. 17, 2025

Jan. 17, 2025

55

JOINT MOTION to Stay DISCOVERY DEADLINES by Smith County, Texas. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order - Parties' Joint Motion to Stay Discovery)(Iglesias, David) (Entered: 02/03/2025)

Feb. 3, 2025

Feb. 3, 2025

56

SECOND NOTICE OF PROGRESS TOWARD SETTLEMENT BY THE PARTIES by Smith County, Texas (Iglesias, David) (Entered: 02/10/2025)

Feb. 10, 2025

Feb. 10, 2025

RECAP
57

ORDER STAYING CASE. The parties are ORDERED to submit dismissal papers or a notice explaining why they cannot yet submit dismissal papers by April 11, 2025. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 2/11/2025. (wea) (Entered: 02/11/2025)

Feb. 11, 2025

Feb. 11, 2025

58

JOINT MOTION to Stay by Ladarion Hughes. (Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 04/10/2025)

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

RECAP
59

ORDER granting 58 Motion to Stay Case. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 4/11/2025. (gsm) (Entered: 04/11/2025)

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

60

JOINT MOTION for Extension of Time to File Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Gould, Margaret) (Entered: 05/30/2025)

1 Proposed Order

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May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025

61

ORDER granting 60 Joint Motion to Extend Deadline to File Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement. Motion for preliminary approval of the settlement is due by July 3, 2025. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 6/4/2025. (esw) (Entered: 06/04/2025)

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

62

SECOND MOTION for Extension of Time to File Preliminary Approval Motion by All Plaintiffs. (Animashaun, Akeeb) (Additional attachment(s) added on 7/8/2025: # 1 Proposed Order) (kcv). (Entered: 07/03/2025)

July 3, 2025

July 3, 2025

63

ORDER granting 62 Second Joint Motion to Extend Deadline to File for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement. This case shall remain STAYED, and the parties shall file the motion for preliminary approval of the settlement by August 3, 2025. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 7/7/2025. (esw) (Entered: 07/07/2025)

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

64

MOTION for Settlement /Preliminary Approval of Class Action by All Plaintiffs. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Settlement Agreement, # 2 Exhibit Proposed Order, # 3 Exhibit Class Action Notice, # 4 Exhibit Animashaun Decl., # 5 Exhibit Loevy Decl., # 6 Exhibit Fennell Decl., # 7 Exhibit Hsu Decl.)(Animashaun, Akeeb) (Entered: 08/04/2025)

1 Exhibit Settlement Agreement

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2 Exhibit Proposed Order

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3 Exhibit Class Action Notice

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4 Exhibit Animashaun Decl.

View on RECAP

5 Exhibit Loevy Decl.

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6 Exhibit Fennell Decl.

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7 Exhibit Hsu Decl.

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Aug. 4, 2025

Aug. 4, 2025

RECAP
65

NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT by Smith County, Texas (Iglesias, David) Modified on 8/8/2025 (gsm). (Entered: 08/07/2025)

Aug. 7, 2025

Aug. 7, 2025

RECAP
66

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER re 64 MOTION for Preliminary Approval of Proposed Class Action Settlement filed by Angela Alonzo, Ladarion Hughes, Demarcus Lively. Final Approval Hearing set for 2/5/2026 at 10:00 AM in Ctrm 101 (Tyler) before District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. Signed by District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on 11/17/2025. (esw) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

RECAP
67

Settlement

1 Exhibit Proposed Order

View on PACER

2 Exhibit Indra Decl.

View on PACER

Jan. 26, 2026

Jan. 26, 2026

Set/Reset Hearings

Feb. 2, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026

68

Appear Remotely

Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

69

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear Remotely

Feb. 3, 2026

Feb. 3, 2026

70

Settlement Conference

Feb. 5, 2026

Feb. 5, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

Texas

Case Type(s):

Criminal Justice (Other)

Key Dates

Filing Date: July 11, 2023

Case Ongoing: Yes

Case Details

Other Dockets:

Eastern District of Texas 6:23-cv-00344